Web Site Design Blunders

Many argue that impeccable web site design is a strategy that should not be over looked. In this day and age of technological savvy consumer designing an effective web site is needed for businesses to put their best face forward. An article on eWeek.com by Jim Rapoza outlined what I agree are fatal mistakes of web site design. I would like to share the most salient with you and offer some of my own insight.

1. Making the consumer click 7 or 8 times just to reach the final checkout page. After the 3rd click the consumer has gone elsewhere for that same product.

2. Weird icons that hide important information. If the user can’t understand what the icon is for, then it shouldn’t be there. Especially, if that icon is hiding information that is beneficial for the consumer.

3. Pages filled with graphics that overwhelm the consumer

4. Scripting errors. There’s nothing more annoying than clicking on a link and getting an error message or a page that is no longer there. Not only does this practice alienate consumers, but it also shows that the website is not up to date.

5. Too much animation, it tends to annoy consumers

6. Inproper use an appropriate color scheme and font choice; chances are the realtor is not going to like black Chiller Font on an orange background.

7. Navigation that is not easy and effortless

8. Text that is full of grammatical errors.

9. Overcrowding: using too many links or providing too much information is not a good way to insure your consumers are going to find the information they are looking for.

10. Not providing a site specific search engine.

Finally, did you know that according to a study conducted by Consumer Web Watch, 65% of consumers will not purchase from a poorly designed web site, even if it means not purchasing their favorite brand. Additionally, nearly half of respondents stated that web site design or “design look” is the most important aspect of a site.

The moral of the story is that although many times web site design and maintenance is pushed aside, this may be one of the most important aspects of a marketing plan. Many consumers have stated that if a web site is designed poorly that will effect their decision to shop in the brick and mortar stores of those companies.


References

Rapoza, J. (2007, September). Jim Rapoza's Top Web Developer Mistakes. eWeek. Retrieved December 14, 2008 from http://etech.eweek.com/slideshow/index.php?directory=webmistakes.